News Nook: Feb 13, 2025

Indian Sector Specific News:

A) BFSI:

1) DIIs Bet Big on 2 Pharma Giants

Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have increased their stake in Wockhardt and Cipla, seeing strong future potential, while foreign investors have reduced exposure to Indian pharma.
Wockhardt's DII holding jumped from 5.08% to 9.82%, despite past losses, while Cipla's DII stake rose from 23.95% to 27.49%, backed by strong sales and profit growth.
Source: Financial Express

2) RBI Helps Rupee Recover

The rupee jumped 65 paise to 86.83 per dollar, its biggest gain in two years, after the RBI sold $11-12 billion in the forex market to support it.
Despite foreign investors selling $1.4 billion in stocks, the rupee became the best-performing currency in Asia on Tuesday.
Source: Financial Express

3) SEBI Launches 'MITRA' to Track Lost Mutual Fund Investments

SEBI introduced the ‘MITRA’ platform to help investors find their forgotten or unclaimed mutual fund folios, especially those missing key details like PAN or email.
The move aims to prevent fraud in inactive accounts, with RTAs like CAMS and KFin Technologies working with AMCs to implement it.
Source: CNBC TV18

4) SEBI Proposes Extension for Research Analysts' Advance Fee Collection

SEBI has proposed allowing Research Analysts (RAs) and Investment Advisors (IAs) to collect advance fees for up to a year, instead of the earlier limit of three to six months.
The move comes after protests from RAs, who argued that shorter limits disrupted long-term recommendations and business operations.
Source: Moneycontrol

B) Automobile:

1) Nissan and Honda End $60 Billion Merger Talks

Nissan and Honda have officially called off their merger discussions due to growing differences, including Honda's proposal to make Nissan a subsidiary.
Nissan will now focus on restructuring, including job cuts and potential new partnerships, with Foxconn as a possible candidate.
Source: Republic World

C) Pharma:

1) Extension for Small & Medium Pharma Firms to Meet New GMP Rules

The government has extended the deadline for small and medium pharma manufacturers (turnover ≤ ₹250 crore) to comply with revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) until December 31, 2025.
Companies must submit an upgrade plan by May 11, 2025, to qualify for the extension, aimed at improving infrastructure, training, and financial readiness.
Source: PIB Delhi

D) Telecommunication:

1) DoT & CDRI Unveil Telecom Resilience Roadmap

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) launched a Disaster Risk & Resilience Assessment Framework to strengthen India’s telecom sector against disasters.
The study, conducted across five states, assessed 0.77 million telecom towers and proposed key strategies, including infrastructure upgrades, financial safeguards, and multi-stakeholder coordination to ensure seamless connectivity during crises.
Source: PIB Delhi

E) Energy:

1) ONGC Plans 100-Fold Clean Energy Investment

ONGC aims to invest ₹1 trillion ($11.5 billion) in renewable energy, targeting 10 GW capacity by 2030.
The company will use cash from oil and gas operations and raise debt to fund wind and solar projects.
Source: Economic Times

2) Petrobras Signs Oil Deals with Indian Firms

Petrobras will supply crude oil to BPCL and collaborate with ONGC Videsh and Oil India in oil and gas exploration.
These agreements aim to enhance India’s energy security and explore low-carbon solutions.
Source: Economic Times

F) IT:

1) Global Tech Spend to Exceed $4.9 Trillion in 2025

Technology spending is set to grow by 5.6% in 2025, driven by software, IT services, generative AI, and cloud adoption.
Software will grow at 10.5% annually, accounting for 60% of global tech spend growth by 2029.
Source: Economic Times

G) FMCG:

1) Distributors Seek Higher Margins from FMCG and Retail Companies

Distributors demand a 10% margin increase and retailers seek a 20% hike to stay profitable amid rising e-commerce and quick commerce competition.
The AICPDF is holding nationwide meetings and plans to approach FMCG firms in April to push for fairer margins.
Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

Indian Economy and Government Initiatives:

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that Modi government's policies have improved socio-economic conditions, boosted MSMEs, and provided tax relief, positioning India to become the world's third-largest economy by 2029.
Piyush Goyal announced upcoming policies to boost toy and footwear manufacturing, reduce imports, and promote India as a global leader in these sectors.
New RBI chief Sanjay Malhotra cut interest rates and delayed bank rules to boost credit flow, aligning with PM Modi’s efforts to revive economic growth.

Indian Stock Market Update:

Sensex (-0.04%) and Nifty (-0.06%) closed flat amid volatility; Nifty stays above 23,000.
Pharma sector (+1.35%) led gains, while IT (-1.00%) and PSU banks dragged.
Bajaj Finserv (+3.39%) was the top gainer, while Adani Enterprises (-4.62%) was the biggest losers.